Moree farmer Dan Reardon, left, with Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall.
Thursday, 19 December 2019
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has today announced a Christmas boost to the NSW Government’s Emergency Drought Transport Subsidy (EDTS), to ensure farmers can continue to access support to transport fodder, stock and other farm inputs of the next month.
As the drought continues to tighten its stranglehold on the State, Mr Marshall said that from today the cap for the subsidy would increase to $50,000 per eligible primary producer this financial year.
“We know our farmers are doing it harder than many have ever experienced and while other states like Queensland are removing their subsidies, here in NSW, we’re putting more money in to support those who are the backbone of our State,” Mr Marshall said.
“The increase in the cap will give many farmers, who were approaching the threshold, some much-needed breathing space.
“This is an immediate injection to increase the scale of the subsidy and the government will be reviewing the cap again early in the New Year and if we need to lift it again then we will.
“The transport subsidy has been a hugely popular program, in fact it’s by far the most popular delivered as part of our $3.9 billion drought response.
“Since 2018, more than 14,500 applications have been approved, paying out more than $120 million.”
“We can’t make it rain, but we will continue to adapt our support measures for as long as it takes to get our hard-working farmers through these unprecedented conditions.”
The Emergency Drought Transport Subsidy provides drought affected farmers in NSW with subsidies for the transport of fodder, water and stock and other farm inputs, like chemical or seed.
To find out more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/transport-subsidy-emergency-drought-relief or phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.